Breakfast links: Slow change
Mayoral meddling
DC’s United Medical Center is finally financially self-sufficient, but the aging structure still needs a private partner. Potential partners seem hesitant to act until after the mayoral election as candidates propose wildly different approaches to maintenance. (Post)
A “pop-up” pause
One developer in Logan Circle is postponing closing on a property until the the Zoning Commission makes a decision on the “pop-up” recommendation. The property was slated for a four-unit addition but the developers are unable to secure project permits while the code revision is pending. (UrbanTurf)
The future of Tysons
What kind of development will the new Tysons stations bring? The wide streets in the area make a lively streetscape difficult, so are pedestrian bridges the answer? (Transport Politic)
Teaching parents
A charter school in DC teaches both parents and students. Parents can gain English skills, earn a degree, or take job training while their children attend a preschool program. Children have made significant gains while in the program. (Post)
Litter enforcement
DC police will begin to issue tickets for littering. Litterers will receive warnings until September. After that, the offense will result in a $75-$100 fine. (WTOP)
Purple line procurement
Despite nearly 2,000 public meetings to address community concerns, Purple line opponents are demanding more specific requirements for reducing train noise, limiting substation visibility, and supporting area businesses. (Post)
Poverty and pedestrian deaths
Pedestrian deaths occur much more frequently in low-income neighborhoods. These areas have less pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, even though a higher percentage of residents walk or use public transportation. (Governing, Stephen Oesch)
Meaningless buttons
Dallas and many other cities across the country have disabled their crosswalk buttons and instead have gone with a timed system to help the flow of traffic. The non-working buttons, however, remain. (Dallas Morning News, ABC)
And…
The Skyland Town Center development has seen many delays and still has not secured a lease with Walmart. (WBJ) … Residents in Loudoun oppose a neighbor’s application for a special exemption for a residential helipad. (Post) … Slug lines have popped up around the country and remain a viable form of commuting for many DC area residents. (WTOP)